Brown wins triple jump, but falls short of record

County gold, district gold, state gold, he has them hanging on his bedroom wall.

Reading High's star triple jumper embarked on his senior season knowing it's not about proving he's the best. It's about determining his imprint on Berks track history.

In some ways that's perfect for Brown, who always measures himself against the highest possible standard.

"If nobody has done it, I like to be the person to do it," he said. "It's more fun for me."

The number Brown is chasing at the moment is 50-3, a county record set by Muhlenberg's Chris Aikens in 1993.

Brown took his first shot at it Friday night. His best jump was 48-11 at the second annual Raider Invitational at Twin Valley.

It was good enough to win the event by more than 5 feet. It was not good enough to satisfy Brown.

The two-time defending state champion had his eyes fixated on 50. His first jump was his best and he slipped backward with each successive try - to 47-11, 47-3 and 46-8.25. He passed on one jump and faulted on his last.

"I have high expectations for myself," Brown said. "I definitely don't want to be going down from my last mark. I just need to take care of myself. I need to come out and get more comfortable with my steps."

Brown also won the long jump at 22-8.25. He was one of two double-winners among the boys. Matthew Sankey of Daniel Boone captured the 800 and 1600.

On the girls side, Reading High's Tyeca Reviere won the 100 and 200 and Boone's Alexandra Santora took first in the 300 hurdles and triple jump.

The conditions were not conducive to Brown breaking a record. By the time the triple jump started after 8 p.m., it was chilly. There was a lot of sitting around and no one in the field could come close to pushing him.

The good news for Brown is he won't have to wait long to get another crack. He planned to compete in the Stephan Meet at Wilson this morning.

Brown's national stature has grown since he was last seen on the spring stage.

The senior won the New Balance outdoor nationals in June with a personal-best 50-6.75. He competed in IAAF Youth Championships in France later in the summer, won the national indoor title last month and earned a scholarship to the University of Alabama.

When he competes at an invitational here, everyone stops to watch. People know they can see something that doesn't happen often.

Brown hopes people will see him reach Aikens' record soon.

"It's not a big deal but it's nice to have my name around," Brown said. "That record has been there for so long."

For an athlete who already owns all the medals, it's the only thing left to chase.